Shoe construction



June 9, 1942. F. A. MELCHIONNA 2,285,738

SHOE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 12, 1958 3 Shqets-Sheet l INVENTOR June 9, 1942'. F. A. MELCHKONNA SHOE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 12, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 fax? /7e/c/u'anna INVENTOR ATT June 9, 1942. F. A. MELCHIONNA 2,285,738

SHOE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 12, 1958 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR ATTO N Patented June 9, 1942 UNITED STATES FATENT OFFICE 15 Claims.

The present invention relates to shoe constructions, and especially to the heel portion thereof.

An object of the invention is to provide a shoe construction wherein the heel is attached to the shoe in such manner that it may easily be removed for replacement with a substitute heel of either the same or a different style or appearance.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel and effective means for the accomplishment of the purpose above stated.

Another object is to provide a replaceable heel structure which will cushion the wearers heel, and furnish added support for the posterior arch.

Another object of the invention is to provide means associating a heel with the shoe proper in such manner as to prevent wabbling and loosening of the heel.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for cushioning the walking lift of a heel, so as to add to the comfort of the wearers; foot and to compensate for uneven wear of the lift.

Another object is to provide means in a re placement heel, for inducing easy starting of the heel screw therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide a heel replacement structure for shoes, whereby a tight connection is made between the heel and that portion of the shoe which supports the heel, which connection provides a durable construction free of shifting or any tendency of the heel to rotate about its central screw or other principal securing means.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a hook and eye arrangement for the attachment of a heel to a shoe.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the means described herein and disclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a heel showing one form of hook construction for attaching the heel to a shoe.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a modified form of hook which may be substituted for the hook of Fig, 1.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing a third form of heel hook for attaching the heel to a shoe.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a heel showing another form of attaching hook.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a plan view looking at the bottom of a shoe equipped to receive the hook constructions of Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view looking down upon a heel which includes a screw starting plug, this being a substitute heel.

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the heel shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing an alternative means for the attachment of heels.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a heel furnished with an eye to operate with the hook of the Fig. 9 structure.

Fig. 11 is a fragmental plan view of an insole including means in the form of an eye, for securing a heel thereto.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of an insole equipped with a modified form of heel attaching eye.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of a cushioned walking lift for a heel.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on line l4l4 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 13, showing a modified form of cushioned lift.

r Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a heel incorporating a modified form of attaching hook.

Fig. 17 is a central longitudinal cross-section taken through a shoe equipped with the means illustrated by Figs. 5 and 6. I

In the manufacture of shoes, it has been customary to apply heels by using a principal central fastener, such as a long heel screw, and a series of secondary fasteners, usually nails, driven into the heel from the inside of the shoe. The nails often would become loose for one reason or another, allowing the heel to kick back or under, or otherwise leave its proper seating position, thus requiring a repair which was difiicult and troublesome in many instances. A common fault was that of rusting of the nail heads due to foot perspiration, the rust acting to rot or weaken the insole, to the extent that the heads of the nails would pull through the insole where the rust occurred, and would place upon the heel screw the entire burden of holding the heel in position. This condition always resulted in a weakened construction which was diflicult to remedy.

The present invention not only obviates the difiiculties above mentioned, but it also furnishes various advantages, some of which have been stated in the foregoing objects, and among which is the advantage that shoes may be purchased with an extra pair of heels designed for the shoes purchased, and which may be substituted for the original heels whenever the original heels become defaced or worn to the extent that they spoil the appearance of the shoe. The change of heels in accordance with the present invention, may be accomplished with little efiort and expense, and the substitute heels will be applied just as securely as the original heels. As previously stated certain provisions are made for cushioning the heels, rigidifying the structure, and adding comfort and support for the foot, as well as simplifying and expediting the work of making heel repairs or replacements. Shoes constructed in accordance with the invention are strengthened at their weakest points, and the period of usefulness is accordingly desirably extended.

The cushioning at the top and bottom of the heel, and support of the foot will be more fully explained as the description proceeds.

In referring to the drawings, the heel in each instance will be identified by the--character-2U. and the arched metal shank will bearthe-character 2!. The shank generally is ribbed as at 22 for the purpose of reenforcement,and its curvature conforms with the arch portionof .the shoe, as is customary. One end .lofjthemetal shank ordinarily isnailed or otherwise fixed'to the insole or to the sole of the shoe,.-as at. 23,.and, as will be understood. obvious changes w'illbe made in the general assemblyofthe-shoe depending upon whether the shoeisof the turn-type, the welt type, or of otherconstruction. .Such changes will be within the knowledge and.skill of the experienced -.-shoe worker, and need-not therefore be detailed herein.

Referring first to Fig. 6, .thisislalview' lookin at the bottom of a shoe, witha heel detached. The upper 24 is tacked to theinsole 25, as usual.

At a locationpreferably between theparts 24 and 25, there is fastened a reenforcingv element which, bypreference, constitutes across-strap 2B and an arcuate portion 21. The-element. referred to may be'of metal or other ,suitable material, and although it is shown. attached by :means of tacks or nails 28, suitable-securing prongs .or the like may be'employed for the purpose. The crossstrap .may-be slightly elevated-intermediate its outer ends, as indicated .ats29, toform an-reye for the reception of a hook or tongue-to be presently referredto. It is notanecessary that the cross-strap .26 be associated with a curved portion 21, but it lends-support and rigidity; and also form, to the shoe where the heel, is--to..be attached. Italso serves to urge the rear of the shoe toward the heel, inthe presence of any tendency of the heel to kick under, thereby preventing breakage of the connection atthe sole breast. The rear end of shank piece 2! preferably is forked as shown, sothat the heel screw may be inserted through hole 3! and into the heel. A strap H15, tackedras-at- Hilpreventslateral shifting of 30 when the latter is not nailed to the insole.

Referring to Fig. .1,'the heel 20 has the usual concave seat portion 32. The seat-portion maybe cut away" as at 33, to overliezamargin of'the sole 34, Fig. 6. In order to providea'seat'for'a hook or tongue structure which constitutes part of' the invention, the concave portion of the heelis. cut away at 35, anda continuous undercut-$ is made, extending from the point fittotheback of the heel and then forwardly, ending at 31. The undercut portion of the heel is-adapted to receive the base 38 of a hook or tongue'tfifwhichextends a toward the breast of the heel, or beyond it. The base is adapted to be'slidinto the undercut portion of the heel by insertion thereof from-the breast toward the rear of theheel. The rear end 40 of base 38 also is received in the groove formed iii --sition with respect to the heel.

43, and in order that the base38 may not interfere with insertion of the screw, the base may be cut away as indicated at 44.

If desired, a resilient cushion or pad may be. applied to the heel structure between the base 38 and the body of the heel, as shown most clearly in Fig. 5, for the two-fold purpose of providing a cushionaddingto the comfort of the heel and for frictionally retaining the tongue structure in po- Fig. 5 clearly shows the securingprongs 4i and the manner in whihitheLbase of the tongue ,element .is received inthe undercutgroovei36. The figure shows'also how the forwardend ofthe tongue maybe turned to provide a pair .of.benttips or extensions 46 .which perform as guide means'ina' manner to be presently. explained.

To apply the heel ofJFfig. 1. to'the shoe sole construction of Fig. 6, the heel, of course, would be turned through ontheline"5-5and, with the tongue or hook1'39'inserted beneath the strap portion 29, the heel and itsassociated structure would .be. slidfforwardly toward .the toe of the shoe until the'heel became .properly seated, with theflbreast portion overlying thesole margin at "34. .In'thuslyapplying the heel, the tongue 39 may be disposed either between the shank endSll and the, insole 2 5 or upon, the opposite faceof the shank. The tongue ordinarily would enter far enough .to 'find a, position beneath the sole 34, wherethe-metallic shank or.reenforcing member 2! preferably isprovided with guides 41 which may be in. the form of grooves .properlyspaced apart to receive the tips or extensions 46 of tongue-39. Withthe tipsorextensions engaged in .the .grooves .or. guides 41, and the. rear part of -ithe.tongue39 received-in the eye29, there ispro- -vided -a very substantial. heel connection that will effectively oppose any-attempt to either lift the heelfrom its,.position upon the shoe, or to rotate it relative to the screw which will enter the. heel through the openings 31 and43. lItshould be notedalso that the construction-described per- .mits-no rocking of the heel inany direction.

It is immaterialwhetherthe tips or extensions At be turned downwardly. as shown-in Fig. 5, or in the upward or opposite directiomsince in either case they will perform :as anchors for the front part of the tongue. The tips orextensions may engage the grooves-4T of the metal shank piece as just explained, or they may be so bent as to partially penetrate the material of the shoe sole in the vicinityof'xthe grooves.

It is to be understood further thatthe cross- 5 strap 26 may be-formed of any material which is suitable "for reception or engagement of the tongue 39, and any known means may vbe employed for securing the cross-strap to the insole. While the use of the pad-or cushion 45 is optional, it is considered preferable as :a meansof'frictionally and removably holding the base of thetongue structure in position relative tothe heel,to. facilitate heel replacements, and also as a means of imparting resiliencycapable of adding to the foot comfort of the structure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a modified form of tongtfla piece which may be substituted for that of Fig. 1. The Fig. 2 device has the advantage that it may be made from sheet metal or like material, with a minimum of waste. The base 238 corresponds to the base 38 of the Fig. 1 structure, and the tongue 239 corresponds to tongue 39 of Fig. 1. The Fig. 2 device preferably is furnished with tips or extensions corresponding to those indicated at 46 of Fig. l, and prongs corresponding to the prongs 4| of Fig. 1. The outer marginal edge of base 238 is adapted to seat within a groove formed in the heel seat by undercutting the heel seat as explained in connection with Fig. 1. As in the Fig. 2 device, the tips or extensions 246 may be bent to the right as illustrated, or to the left in substantially the direction of extension of prongs 24L The contour of the base 238 may be varied as desired, to fit a correspondingly shaped groove of the heel.

Fig. 3 discloses a modification wherein the undercut is made only at the butt of the tongue piece, as indicated by the character 49, the resultant groove being adapted to receive the rear end 50 of the tongue or its base. The base may comprise a pair f divergent arms 5|, so arranged that it may be fastened to the heel by means of nails 52. The tongue structure of Fig. 3 embodies all the essential elements of the Fig. 2 device. It will be understood, of course, that the extending tongue 339 overlies the divergent parts 5! of the base, in substantially the manner indicated in Fig. 5, so that the base is spaced from the tongue, which overlies it. In the Fig. 3 construction, the concave portion 53 of the heel seat may be cut away as at 54, to properly receive the base parts 5! of the tongue structure.

At this point in the description, it may be stated that the various forms of the invention disclosed in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, may be placed in cooperative relationship with the shoe construction of Fig. 6, in substantially the manner previously explained while describing the Fig. 1 construction. In each instance, the forwardly extending tongue or hook may be made as long or as short as may be necessary, depending upon the type of shoe being considered, and the amount of support desired at the posterior arch portion thereof. With the construction herein disclosed, it is unnecessary to employ secondary fastening means in addition to the heel screw, for securely attaching the heel to the shoe.

In Fig. 4 is disclosed a modified form of heel attaching means, wherein the concave seat portion 55 of the heel supports a double hook arrangement. Said arrangement comprises a base 53 which may be apertured at 51 to permit passage of the heel screw therethrough, and said base may comprise a forwardly extending tongue 58 and a separate hook 59, at opposite ends of the base. Tongue 58 is adapted to engage beneath or above the metallic shank piece of Fig.

=6, as before explained, while the hook 59 engages a suitable cross-strap or eye as exemplified at 26 of Fig. 6. If desired the hook end or butt 66 may be retained by means of an undercut groove such as 49 of-Fig. 3, or the base 55 may be alternatively secured relative to the heel by means of nails or other fasteners. The manner of securing the base 56 being optional, there is shown a pair of pointed prongs Bl on the base adapted to be driven into the material of the heel by means of a hammer or press operation. To stabilize the double hook construction of Fig. 4, the seat of the heel may be formed with a pair of depressions or slots 62 for the reception of the downwardly turned lugs or stops 63 which are formed integrally with the base part 56. The

prongs 6| extend toward the heel in the same direction as the lugs or stops 63, and may likewise be formed integrally with the base part 56. As in the constructions previously explained, the turned tips or extensions 64 of tongue 58 may be directed either forwardly or downwardly from the plane of the tongue, and the tongue may be directed along the shank piece 2|, either below or above it. When the Fig. 4 heel assembly is applied to a shoe construction of the general character disclosed by Fig. 6, the tips or extensions may be engaged with the grooves 41 of the shank piece, if desired, for imparting rigidity and a double thickness of material at the breast of the heel, where the shoe is often inherently weak and therefore subject to breakage. The same advantage is secured by employing the heel assemblies of Figs. 1, 2, and 3.

Attention is now directed to page 2 of the drawings, and especially to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 shows a reenforcing shank piece 2| having a rearward extension5 that projects nearly to the back 66 of the shoe, said extension being bent transversely at 61 so as to provide a space between it and the insole 68. The extension is apertured at 69 to adequately provide clearance for the heel screw, and beneath the aperture a pad or cushion 73 may be inserted so as to furnish a resilient and comfortable support for the heel bone of the Wearers foot. By preference, the cushion or pad is wedged between the extension 65 and the insole 68, so that the application of a heel such as Fig. 10 discloses, will be attended by some degree of frictional resistance. The heel of Fig. 10 is of ordinary concave seat construction, except for the fact that it includes means forming an eye or socket for the reception of tongue 65 (Fig. 9). The socket or eye of the heel may be furnished in various ways. As illustrated, it is formed by means of a strap or strut 1| which substantially spans the heel seat from one side of the heel to the other, leaving a space between the strap and the seat of the heel, for insertion of the tongue or extension 65. The strap H may be of metal, leather, or composition material, or it may be formed by simply leaving enough material at the top of the heel to enable the formation of a socket or groove correspond.- ing to 49 of Fig. 3. In any of such constructions, there will be provided on the heel a suitable socket for reception of the extension 65 of Fig. 9. The resultant connection between the extension 65 and the heel will serve to effectively maintain a desired relationship of the heel to the shoe, and the said relationship may be rendered permanent by the usual expedient of driving a long heel screw through the insole and into the body of the heel. This construction may be employed either with or without the use of the pad or cushion '50, as desired. The form or character of the heel socket which receives the extension 65 of the metal shank piece, is capable of considerable variation, without departing from the general proposition of furnishing the heel with a suitable socket or eye. The shank may be fixed to the insole or any adjacent part of the shoe, in the vicinity of the offset 57, by means of a nail or other fastener 73. A detachable connection between the shoe and the heel made in accordance with the teaching herein, is inexpensive and simple, and it reduces to a minimum the time and, labor necessaryior the replacement of damaged 'or .worn heels.

,Attentionisnow directed to Figs. 11 and 12, each ofwhich discloses an insole of a shoe, provided with a transverse strap or the like, providing a socket oreye adapted for the reception of' The cross-strap shown in Fig. 12, is one constructed of a material capable of being stitched,

at I5, to the bottom of the insole. The alternative-form shown'in Fig. 11, is similar to that oflFig. '6, wherein the structure comprises an .arcuate portion "is and a transverse strut TI. The device it-El of Fig. 11 may be made of metal or otherrigid material, and when metal is used, it may include a'series of prongs i8 extending from the insole so as to be capable of penetrating the inturned edge of the upper and possibly the seat portionof the heel itself. Nails,

small rivets, or any other suitable-fastening device 19 ma be employed for attaching the appliance to the insole. It should be understood that the socket or eye construction of Figs. 11 and 12, or any equivalent thereof, may be used in combination with Fig, 9 or any of the heel hook structures exemplified by Figs. 1 .to inclusive. When considered desirable or necessary, the arcuate portion 16 of the eye or socket member of Fig. 11 may be dispensed with, leaving the cross-strap H to perform the function of an eyer;

or socket for reception of the heel tongue or hook.

Figs. 13 and 14 disclose an improved form of the walking lift for a heel. The lift comprises a body portion 80, preferably of leather, shaped to'fit the lower end of a heel. The central portion of the'lift is punched out or otherwise removed, as at 8|, so that a plug 82 of rubber or other cushion material may be inserted therein. With reference to Fig. 14, the surface 83 is the exposed surface of the lift, when the lift is secured to a heel, and surface 84 is that which is cemented, nailed, ortotherwise fastened to the bottom of the heel. The plug 82 preferably has a peripheral flange 85 abutting the surface 84 of the lift, about the aperture 81, thereby precluding loss or displacement of the plug. The purpose of the plug is to cushion the impact of the heel when walking, and to prevent the formation of a hump at the center of the heel as the outer edges of the lift 33 Wear away during use. By reason of this-construction, there'is imparted considerable comfort to the foot when walking, and the shock is absorbed by the'resilient plug or insertion, and the lift does not develop a central'hump that generally causes much discomfort and strain in an efiort to preclude wabbling of the heel to one side or the other. It has been determined that many ailments such as pains from the knee to the neck of the wearer, have been attributed to the rounding off of the heel and the strains, resulting therefrom. The cushioning at the heel lift, as well as the provision of resilient pads or cushions at the top of the heel, furnish an effective remedy for conditions resulting in the ailments mentioned.

Fig. discloses a modified form of resilient cushion or pad inserted in a central aperture 86 of a heel lift 8?. The pad or cushion 88 of Fig.

15 may be appliedwithout resort to a flange such 1 shoe heel.

:in place. ablyminimizes-the timeyand labor required for applying -new heels to shoes from which the original heels have been removed. The heel of as,85 ,of Fig. 14 tohold it in place. Instead the pad or cushion is made to fit the aperture 86 of nails 433 may be employed for attaching the leather lift in position upon the heel. It should be understood that th lift f Fig.15 is .a walking lift and is attached to the lower end of the heel.

.The pad or cushion 88 fits securely within the aperture 86,50: that the two parts 81 and 88 form a composite structure which-is notordinarily separable. The Fig. 15 construction is to be considereda modification of the construction illustrated by Figs. 13 and 14.

Referring .now toFigs. '7 and 8, 20 is a. heel which is for the most part regular and conventional, in that it has a concave seat!!! and all other normal characteristics to be expected in a This heel, however, is'intended to be a replacement heel, oran extra heel to be purchased at the time'of purchasing a pair of shoes. When attaching a new pair of heels to a 'shoe which requires a heel-replacement, it is ordinarily quite difiicult to drive the heel screw into the new;heel, due to-the fact that the new heelis not bored to receive the screw. Accordingly, it isdesirable to furnish a simple and effective means of starting the screw into the 'material of'the newheel. For this purpose, there is provided an insert 92 of' rubber, fiber, or other material of low density, wherein a screw thread may be startedwith comparativeease, cutting its own'threads as it is driven into the plug or insert-792. When the point of the screw reaches the comparatively hard material of the heel, thestarting of the thread intothe heel proper is facilitated in the presence of plug or insert 92. The:plug orinsert preferably is tightly fitted into a bore'93 made in the concave seat portion of the heel. -If desired, a suitable adhesive or cement maybe employed to fix the plug or insert The construction described consider- Figs? and 8 may .beeitheraplain heel, or one which has been furnished with any of the attaching means disclosed in Figs. 1' to 5 inclusive.

JReferringback to Figs. 13, 14 and 15, it should be understood that the lifts may-be-made of any suitable material, and the surface: thereof which contacts the heel may be plain, roughened, or covered with a reenforcing layer of celluloid, Bakelite, or other material having structural or decorative attributes. In .all instances, the heel structures herein described may be of wood, leather, .or composition materials, and in those instances where it is feasibleto doso, the hooks and eyes may be integral parts'of the heels or shoe assemblies.

J In describing the Fig. 1 heel assembly, it was stated that the base of the hook may be frictionally held to the .heel,:preferably by means of the pad or cushion resiliency. This results in the advantage that removal ofthe heel screw and subsequent rearward shifting of the heel to disengage it from the shoe, results in leaving the hook piece permanently in place on the shoe for reception of a replacement heel. When such a condition is wanted, the forward end of the hook or tonguemay be tacked or otherwise secured tothe shoesole or the insole, or said forward end may be strongly jammed into engaging position beneath the sole or the metallic shank, possibly with the aid of an adhesive, to prevent bodily displacement of the hook structure when the heel is detached therefrom.

It might here be observed that the metallic shank piece of Fig. 9 may be used with the heel assembly of Fig. 1, or of Figs. 2, 3 and 4, just as efiectively as the shank piece of Fig. 6, the only material difference being that the metallic shank piece of Fig. 9 has a longer hook or tongue, with an offset 61 formed therein.

Attention is now directed to the apertures 48 of Fig. 4, located in the bulged or widened section. I38 of the tongue or hook 58. These apertures are so spaced apart that nails or other fasteners may be driven therethrough into the insole along opposite side edges of a metallic shank piece such as 2 I, at approximately the location 41. Instead of using nails or other fasteners in the manner just described, for anchoring the tongue or hook together with the metallic shank, the angularly turned tips or extensions 64 may be lengthened and spaced apart sufiiciently to lie at opposite sides of the shank piece, instead of upon the guides 41, so that such tips or extensions may be driven past the shank piece and into the material of the shoe sole. This is an important feature of the invention, and it is applicable to the hook or tongue structures of Figs. 1, 2 and 3, as well as to that of Fig. 4. Fig. 3 shows, by way of example, now the tips or extensions of any of the hooks or tongues may be widely spaced, and lengthened, to span the metallic shank piece as explained. The sharpened tips or extensions 46 of Fig. 3 are substantially at right angles to the plane of tongue 339, as in Fig. 5.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a heel incorporating a modified form of attaching hook. Here the heel 20 has its upper seat portion 94 provided with a hook member 95 extending toward the rear of the heel. The hook member is reversely bent as at 96 to space the hook portion 95 from the heel seat, and the base 91 is fixed in any suitable manner, to the seat. Prongs or nails 98 may be used as the fixing means. The base and the hook portion may be suitably apertured as shown, to accommodate heel screws or nails. This type of heel construction can be used in conjunction with eye or socket constructions such as are illustrated by Figs. 10, 11, and 12, or with these of the general character shown by Fig. 6. When used with the Fig. 6 construction, the hook 95 would engage beneath the strap or cross-piece 29. As a matter of fact, the hook may be applied on any shoe assembly having a properly located heel retaining socket or eye in which to insert the hook.

By means of the present invention, it is unnecessary to extend the sole rearwardly far underneath the heel, and as the result thereof, a substantial saving of sole material is gained. Moreover, the fitting of heels is facilitated, with a saving of time and effort. The invention is applicable to shoe constructions of various types, and it is immaterial whether the heels be high or low heels, or Cuban or French heels. The invention in all cases will prevent kick back or under of all such heels, thereby preventing ruining or defacing of the shoe, and injury to the wearers foot.

What is claimed is:

1. In a shoe structure, the combination of a sole and an insole secured together flatwise, and a cooperative rigid shank supporting the arch portion of the sole, said shank having a rear end overlying the heel seat of the insole, a cross-strap substantially spanning said heel seat and providing an eye, and a heel with a breast, said heel including an elongated tongue receivable in the eye and extending forwardly of the heel breast to slidably abut the rigid shank in the arch portion of the sole, thereby to strengthen the posterior arch supporting area of the shoe.

2. In a shoe structure, the combination of a sole and an insole secured together flatwise, and a cooperative rigid shank supporting the arch portion of the sole, said shank having a rear end overlying the heel seat of the insole, a crossstrap substantially spanning said heel seat and providing an eye, and a heel including a tongue receivable in the eye and extending along the rigid shank to strengthen the posterior arch supporting area of the shoe, and cooperative guide means on the tongue and the shank for maintaining an aligned relationship thereof.

3. In a shoe construction, the combination which comprises a heel and a heel supporting area of the shoe, a tongue carried by the heel and a flexible transverse tongue-receiving eye or socket substantially spanning said supporting area, for detachable mounting of the heel.

4. In a shoe construction the combination which comprises anarch supporting shank fixedly attached to the shoe, and including a guide groove in the arch portion of the shank, a heel and a heel supporting area of the shoe, a rear- Ward extension on the shank extended for overlying the heel supporting area thereof, a socket or eye on the heel for detachably receiving the shank extension, and a tongue on the heel of sufficient length to reach the arch portion of the shank, said tongue including an angularly disposed tip for slidably engaging the guide groove of the shank upon application of the heel to the shoe.

5. In a shoe construction the combination which comprises an arch supporting shank fixedly attached to the shoe, and including a guide groove in the arch portion of the shank, a heel and a heel supporting area of the shoe, a rearward extension on the shank extended for overlying the heel supporting area thereof, a socket or eye on the heel for detachably receiving the shank extension, a tougue on the heel of sulficient length to reach the arch portion of the shank, said tongue including an angularly disposed tip for slidably engaging the guide groove of the shank upon application of the heel to the shoe, and a cushion beneath said tongue for resiliently cushioning the heel relative to said supporting area.

6. In a, shoe construction, the combination which comprises an arch supporting shank fixedly attached to the shoe, and including a guide groove in the arch portion of the shank, a heel and a heel supporting area of the shoe, a rearward extension on the shank for overlying the heel supporting area thereof, and a tongue on the heel of sufficient length to reach the arch portion of the shank, said tongue including an angularly disposed tip for slidably engaging the guide groove of the shank upon application of the heel to the shoe.

7. A shoe insole having an insole seat, and a strap of flexible material substantially spanning the seat so as to form a tongue-receiving eye adapted to maintain a heel in position thereon.

8. A shoe heel which comprises a heel seat, said seat being cut away to provide an undercut groove, a heel attaching means including a and i adapted: to extend:.towardzthabreast.of: theheel, with the: base received in. the;under.cut

groove to. preclude. tipping. of: the: attaching;

means.

9. A shoe. heel .w-hirbhcomprises; a; heel seat, said. seat beingcut. away "to: provide an..undercut groove, a heel. attaching: means. including; a. tongue .and a .base, the tongueoverlying thebase and.adapted..to extend itoward thebreast. of. the heel, with the base: received. in'ithe. undercut groove. to preclude; tipping: ofthe': attaching;

means, and a resilient. pad. located on the: heel inposition to. yieldingly urge; the. base. of. theat-;-

taching means .intobinding relationship with: the undercut. groove...

10. A shoe. heel whichcompris'es a:he.el;seat,; said seat being .cut .away. to provide an undercut. groove, a, heel. attaching means tongue and a .base, ther tongue overlyingtheebase; and adapted to'extend'toward the-breast of the heel, with the. base, received in: the; undercut groove to preclude tipping of. they attaching. means, andla resilient.pad:locatedcon:..the;heel.

in position .to, yieldingly; urge thelbasei oi the ;at.- taching means into binding'rrelationship with the undercut groove, said base includingxone; orrmore sharpened prongs. extending toward: the plane of the tongue to. penetratera .shoe insole;

11. As. a new article of. manufacture,ya heel having a seat portion, and an attachingmeans for the heel, .said. means comprising. a". base and means forfixing ,thebase to. the seatportion, said base including-a hook overlying. thebase, at one end thereof and a tongue atthe opposite. end thereof,.the hook and the tongue both projecting in a common direction. but at different elevations above: the seat portion of. the,.heel.,

12. As a new article of manufacture',..a heel having a breast and a seat portion, and anzatitaching means; for the heel, said attaching means comprising, a base and means for fixing; the base to the seat .portion, a tongue extending forward- 1y from the base and beyondfthe breast 'ofthe heel,.the tongue being'bifurcated and bent at'its-v extreme forwardend to'furnishturnedv anchore age tips insertable into a shoe shank, anda' hook overlying, that end. of the base whichiis'opposedincluding: at

tongue. and a: base, the .tongue overlying thebase:

to;.the;.tongue,. said.:.hook being ;spaced :from the baseeandzextendedgin the generalsdirection of the tongue;

13. As a new article:ofmanufacture, a heel having-a breastanda seat; portion, and an attaching. means :forrthe heel; said fattaching; means comprisingzabase and"means for, fixing the base toctheseat portion; said ;base-including a-rear portionqandtagforward portion, a-hookat the rear r portion'ofithegbase. for engagement-with a-.com-

plementary keeper of ashoebody, saidhook being elevated-zabovethe. plane of thebase, and a tongue onathe forwardportion' of the base'extendingqtoward;andt.beyond-the heel breast for 7 entry: between :laminationsofj ashoe arch.

14; In ashoezconstruction', the-combination of a;. sole: and: an insole; secured together flatwise, and. ai cooperativerigid shank" supporting the arch: portionof: thes0le,-,said shank having a rearrend :aperturedrforzreception *ofra heel screw and, extended: over the heel seat' portion of the insolextosubstantially therrear end of the insole, said shank beingbent transversely intermediate its sends:atisubstantiallythe location where the breast of: a heel'would; meet thc-xsole, to offset the.- rear portion-of. the shankinto spaced: relationshinwith the: heel seat portion, ,and-asoftrubber cushion insert disposed between the apertureds end" of theshank .and the adjacent portion of the heelgin position to be penetrated by a-rheel screw-driventhrough: the shank aperture.

15. A-.rei-n-forcingstructure for shoes, which comprises in. combination, an insole having. a

'1 rear rounded heelseat for application to the top of a heel, a heel reinforcing: plate. comprising an arcuate narrow flange curved v.toi substantially follow thevcontour. of the-.roundedheel =seatportion-at the back ofthe shoe, and having opposite free -.ends spaced apart a distanceapproximating'the'width oftherinsoleacross the widest part of theheel seat portion, ,a;-rigid.. strap spanning the: space from one-ofithe free ends of-the arcuate flange to the other free. end thereof, and attachd-thereto, ,for providing. anchorage means for ashankendinsertedbetween theplate strap and; theadjacent: face. of the. insole.

FRANK. A-.- MELCHIONNA. 

